Links to Learning

What is Links to Learning?

Links to Learning is an educational support program, funded by NSW Department of Education, that addresses the needs of high school students who are struggling to engage and succeed at school. The program supplements school support and works to address basic academics, cultural identity and learning, practical living skills, mental health, well-being and social behaviours. Many students experience challenging life circumstances that can create barriers to successful school engagement.

Students who attend the Links to Learning program receive intensive support from Highlands Youth Services youth workers, and other connected support services. Learning is focused on building resilience, developing effective coping strategies, setting realistic goals, improving communication, negotiation and problem solving skills, with the ultimate goal of re-engaging at school better equipped and more motivated to engage and learn.

How does it work?

Links works with students from Year 6 to Year 12, but not all at the same time. Sometimes we work with Year 6 students transitioning to high school, or Year 7 students who might be struggling to adjust to high school. Other times we work with older students who are facing barriers to getting the most out of their time at high school.

Students are referred through Moss Vale High School or Bowral High School for one day a week for 16 weeks to participate in Links to Learning at Highlands Youth Hub.

Once accepted into the program, students and youth workers work together to build trust and rapport and start to identify the student's strengths and areas that need more support and work. Students engage in group work to develop the capacity for peer support and to help each other identify problematic behaviours and more effective ways to respond to triggers. Students have access to a caseworker to help them set goals, develop an individual learning plan and make referrals to other helpful services if needed.

Referrals & More Information

Links to Learning takes referrals from Moss Vale High School and Bowral High School in Terms 1 and 3.

For more information please call Highlands Youth Services on 02 4862 1122 or 0414 207 571, or email [email protected].

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